The morning after his conversation with Cole, Isaac awoke to the sound of seagulls and the gentle rocking of the ship. He felt a sense of nervous excitement. The memories of the previous days were still swirling in his mind, especially the revelation about Beyonders. He was eager to learn more, but also still grappling with the loss of his old life.
He quickly dressed in the clothes Cole had given him - a simple but sturdy set of linen trousers and a loose-fitting cotton shirt, both in muted earth tones. The clothes were practical and comfortable, clearly meant for travel and perhaps a bit of rough living. They were a far cry from the clothes he remembered wearing before, further emphasizing how much his life had changed.
Making his way out of the cabin, Isaac found the Silver Eel bustling with activity. Sailors were hauling ropes, adjusting sails, and preparing for docking. The air was thick with the smell of salt and fish.
As Isaac made his way to the deck, he was met by a friendly face. It was the ship's cook and doctor, Able. A man with a warm smile, brown hair, and black eyes, Able always seemed to be slightly harried, as if he was constantly juggling a dozen different tasks. Isaac remembered meeting him briefly before, but in his dazed state, he hadn't paid much attention. Now, seeing him in the relative calm of the morning, Isaac could better appreciate the man's demeanor.
"Ah, young master, you're finally awake," Able greeted him. "You gave us quite a scare, you know. But you seem to be in good health now, yes?"
Isaac nodded, returning the man's smile. "Yes, thank you. I feel much better." He paused, remembering Cole's words about Able's dual role. "It's good to see you up and about, Able. Thank you for looking after me."
Able chuckled. "Just doing my job. Though, I must admit, you're a remarkably fast healer. I've seen grown men take weeks to recover from a blow like that." He bustled about, offering Isaac a quick breakfast of bread and some kind of surprisingly tasty preserved fruit.
As Isaac ate, he peppered Able with questions about the ship, the crew, and their destination. "By the way, Able," Isaac asked, between mouthfuls of the preserved fruit, "why do you keep calling me 'young master'?"
Able paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, it's a couple of things, really. It's a term of respect, of course - you're traveling with the Captain, after all. But also He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "It's my understanding that you're Captain Cole's student. And that's. . well, that's not something he's ever done before. The Captain has sailed with some interesting people over the years, but he's never taken on a student. The crew and I think that means you're someone special."
Isaac wasn't sure how to respond to that. He certainly didn't feel like he was anything special. He still felt lost and confused, grappling with the changes he was going through. But Able's words gave him a strange sense of reassurance. If Cole, a man who seemed so capable and experienced, saw something in him, perhaps there was more to him than he realized.
Soon their conversation shifted, Able explained that Bayam was a large port city, a melting pot of cultures and a hub for trade in the Southern Sea. He described the city in vivid detail, his words painting a picture of bustling streets, towering buildings, and a vibrant mix of people from all walks of life. He spoke of the many opportunities the city offered, but also warned of its hidden dangers.
"It's a city of opportunity," Able said, "but also a city of shadows. Be careful there, young master. Not everyone has good intentions. The city attracts all sorts, from wealthy merchants and ambitious adventurers to desperate criminals and those who seek to exploit the unwary."
As Able spoke, Isaac listened intently, his imagination running wild with images of this new and exciting place. He couldn't wait to explore it for himself.
Soon enough, the Silver Eel approached the city. From the deck, Isaac could see the sprawling cityscape of Bayam. It was a sight unlike anything he had ever imagined. Tall buildings of various colors and styles crowded the coastline, stretching inland as far as the eye could see. The harbor was filled with ships of all shapes and sizes, a testament to the city's importance as a trade center.
As the ship docked, Cole joined Isaac on deck. "Ready to see the city, kid?" he asked, a grin on his face.
Isaac, his eyes wide with wonder, could only nod.
The two of them disembarked and stepped into the bustling streets of Bayam. The city was a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells. Merchants hawking their wares, street performers entertained crowds, and people from all walks of life hurried about their business. Isaac was overwhelmed by the sheer energy of the place.
Cole, used to the city's vibrant atmosphere, led Isaac through the crowded streets. "It's quite a place, isn't it?" he said, his voice barely audible over the din. "Bayam has a bit of everything. Wealth, poverty, opportunity, and danger. You'll see more things in a day here than most people see in a lifetime."
As they walked, Cole pointed out various landmarks and explained some of the city's history. Isaac learned that Bayam was a major center for trade, drawing people from all over the world. It was a city of contrasts, where opulent mansions stood in the shadow of squalid slums, and where different cultures clashed and mingled in a vibrant, sometimes chaotic mix.
Eventually, Cole led Isaac down a narrow, winding alleyway, away from the main thoroughfares. The atmosphere changed noticeably. The noise of the city faded, replaced by a sense of hushed secrecy. The buildings here were older, more dilapidated, and the shadows seemed deeper, more ominous.
"Where are we going?" Isaac asked, a hint of unease in his voice.
Cole glanced back at him, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I want to show you a different side of Bayam," he said. "A place where things are bought and sold that you won't find in the ordinary markets."
The alleyway opened into a small, hidden square. It was crowded with people, but unlike the bustling crowds in the main streets, these people seemed furtive and secretive. Merchants displayed their wares on makeshift stalls, their faces hidden in the shadows. The goods on display were strange and exotic: strange herbs, bizarre artifacts, and even what looked like caged creatures.
Isaac starred in fascination. "What is this place?"
"This," Cole said, "is the Black Market. Here, you can find things that are rare, forbidden, or simply hard to come by."